InMail: The New Email and How to Write One Successfully
Category: Business English Skills | 2017-11-22
Many people today believe that LinkedIn’s InMail is the new email…and I am one of them. There are several reasons for this. Mostly, I think it is because mutual contacts add a sense of trust from the start. Nobody wants to read an email from some stranger trying to sell them on their wonderful product. InMail helps us get over that hurdle by listing our mutual contacts at the push of a button.
Let’s look at some of the key ways to write a successful InMail. Here we go!
6 Key Factors in Writing a Successful InMail
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Be Natural
This point cannot be overstated. How many times have you received an email that was obviously a template. Dear Business Owner….Blah!!! Who even writes this crap? Be natural, use their name and write the InMail as if you were speaking to them in person.
Also, don’t try to sound like something you are not. Use your own words and approach it like you are inviting a friend for a drink. There is nothing wrong with selling yourself, but just make sure you are honest about it. Remember, nobody likes conceit!
Light the Fire
An InMail has to spark their interest in what you are selling. This could be your services, a job offer or any number of things. Give them a clear idea of what you are offering, but you can feel free to leave out the tiny details. Think of how many emails you get each day and be considerate of their time. The main idea here is to start a dialogue where you can build trust and gain their confidence
Get to the Point
As I mentioned, we receive dozens, if not hundreds, of emails each day. People don’t have time to read nonsense. So leave it out. Make sure your InMail is short and sweet. Be direct and get to the point quickly. Your response rate will thank you!
Stroke Their Ego
They say that imitation is the highest form of flattery. I would argue that flattery is the highest form of flattery. People love to hear how wonderful they are. It may make them feel awkward in a crowd, but in an InMail, they will revel in it!
Let them know why you are reaching out to them. What was it that drew you to them? Was it their great blog? Or maybe their company just made a big acquisition? Tell them how impressed you were and they are more likely to respond to your InMail.
It’s not Me, It’s You
Remember, you are trying to create a lasting relationship here. Either with a future colleague or with a prospective client. This is not the time to tell them all about you and your product or service. This is about them and how you can accommodate their needs.
Avoid the Big Ask
Don’t ask for too much. Make it a simple request. This can be information on the needs specific to their industry. Or you can ask to start a conversation. Be sure to use action words to increase the likelihood of a response. Asking someone to “discuss”, “get together” or “connect” is a great way to start the dialogue.
Be careful about making the request too specific. Keep it general and open. There are several great apps and tools out there for adding your calendar to your emails. However, these don’t always work with InMail. So, let them decide when to meet with a phrase like “if you have time” or “when you get the chance”. This helps take away some of that salesy pressure that is so typical of normal prospecting emails.
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As InMail grows in popularity and becomes a more recognisable sales tool, you will need to be ready to use it. Put these tips into practice in your next InMail and see how it goes. What strategies do you use when sending InMail? Let me know in the comments below or send an InMail to my LinkedIn account. Sign up for our monthly newsletter and receive a 7-day free trial of our online English course. Also get more tips, articles and exclusive deals. Thanks for reading!
Cheers!
About the Author
Keith MacPherson
As the owner and founder of The MacPherson Language Institute, Keith is engaged in all aspects of language learning. A teacher, blogger, translator and consultant, he offers expert training and guidance for private students and businesses competing in the global market. Leave a comment, join the mailing list or follow him on Twitter @MLISolutions.
That’s very good advice. Cheers, Keith.